Injured David Aardsma clears waivers, becomes free agent
News has come out of Seattle that David Aardsma has cleared waivers and has become a free agent. The Seattle Mariners confirmed the news on Monday, October 31. Aardsma was the regular closer for the club and he was replaced by Brandon League in the 2011
season when he underwent Tommy John surgery on his elbow in July, this year. He did not feature in any game this year.
Prior to his elbow injury, he had to leave the 2010 season in pain as he was rushed into hip surgery in December, that year. Looking into the years between 2009 and 2010, Aardsma has saved 69 games for Seattle. If the regular closer would not have been
injured, his earning for this year, as an arbitration eligible star, would have been at least $3.6 million. That amount is 80% of what he earned in 2010, which was $4.5 million.
The player understands the reason behind his ouster as injury has made the decision hard for the administration at the Mariners’ management board. The club could not afford the costs and hence waived the player. However the star is adamant on returning to
the club, one day, when he feels good and ready.
"I loved my time in Seattle," Aardsma said. "I love the fans and thank [general manager] Jack Zduriencik for giving me the opportunity to have a job and become a closer. I want to thank all the fans in Seattle for their support.
"It's not fun [being released], but it's part of the job and this is going to be the next step. It doesn't mean I won't be back. This is one of those things we all knew was coming because of the situation. It doesn't close any doors, it just opens more."
The hurler is 13 – 15 in his career. He has played in 254 games in the past and he has an earning runs average of just 4.20. Furthermore, he has availed 69 games saves from 83 opportunities. The Mariners have surely lost an asset and that statement could
weigh heavily on the club if any other team decides to tie the closer in.
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